Variable geometry turbocharging of transport diesel engines.

Abstract

A boost controlled continuously variable geometry turbocharger prototype has been designed, manufactured and tested. The prototype has been first rig tested and later fitted to a Perkins T6.354 diesel engine. The engine tests have included both steady state and transient runs. Torque back up has been improved considerably increasing from 34.3% to 55.8%, the former occurring at 1400rpm while the latter at 1200rpm. In the experimental programme, compressor surge has been the limiting parameter while in the theoretical investigations a wide mass flow compressor has been assumed and the limiting parameter was maximum cylinder pressure. In the theoretical investigations lower compression ratio and retarded injection timing have been considered to further improve the scope for higher torque back up and improved transient response. In addition the performance of the variable geometry turbocharged engine using a simple boost controlled turbine restriction schedule has been simulated. It is concluded that a simple boost controlled system will present sfc penalties in the part load regime and thus more sophisticated multi-variable schemes will have to be studied if sfc optimization is to be achieved. The experimental programme has been conducted using the 'zip fastener' design. This design has been found to be strongly non-linear with respect to turn down ratio in response to turbine restriction but will offer the required effects at the expense of a slight drop in turbine efficiency. However, in future investigations initial calibration studies have to be undertaken to ensure comparable swallowing capacities with the standard turbine which the variable geometry turbine replaces.